“All I Ever Really Needed To Know I Learned in Kindergarten”; are you familiar with this classic manual for professionals? Following the past few weeks’ flurry of business events, over-socialization and subsequent people drunkenness, I was prompted to consider summoning my children, yes the children to pen a sequel of remedial lessons for “grown-ups”.
Mayhaps it’s the speed and length of our days, or the magnitude of happenings within the many hours keeping us from maximum sparkle, but adults are in need of polishing, and I say this as not just a spokesperson, but a member of the tribe. I’m not alone in this revelation, as evidenced by my favorite denizens of Facebook. When asked, “What have your children taught you?” These were their responses:
Angela of NM spoke lovingly of her 15 week old yogi Georgia, …”she has totally reformed my perfectionism (out of necessity). She doesn’t care if the house is neat, if her or my clothes are perfectly coordinated, or if the weekend is planned. She lives in the moment and wants the most basic of needs met and that is it.”
Amy in ME added, among many other pertinent lessons, “That trusting them works. That trusting yourself works. …That most of the time it’s best to shut up … and listen. That you have to be healthy and strong so that they are healthy and strong. That there can be such a thing as guidance and boundaries with freedom. That attachment is what they need and want and it doesn’t end at a certain age. …That their opinions and choices are their own. That they can not be spoiled, but parents can be rotten. That they need to be seen and understood and acknowledged.
Will Doctor of NY added,”Choose your words wisely.” Aah yes, succinct is the way to go.
Bek of FL shared a story that filled me with laughter and a bit of embarrassment. Whilst at a doctor’s appointment with her son, Alex, the doctor reported that she’d gained two pounds. Alex was ecstatic, hugged her and said “You are getting bigger now too! Just like me!” He couldn’t understand why she wanted to get smaller. She also added, “Always look on the bright side of life…,the world is a strange place”.
As I read, and re-read these responses, much like the adages of old, their sagacity is timeless. Who amongst us couldn’t use a little less perfectionism, a lot more trust and the discipline of silence where the rights words fail? And wouldn’t it be nice to embrace our ever-growing, changing bodies and minds with the childlike charm and grace? It seems so simple yet so complex. I suspect if simplicity was simpler, we’d all be much better at it. Of course, we could try…go on, you first. I double dog dare you!
